New Caledonia: Authorities announce gradual resumption of commercial and transport services across the territory as of June 4 amid subdued violence /update 9

Commercial and transport services are gradually reopening across New Caledonia as of June 4 after French authorities reportedly regained full control of the capital Noumea. Malls, markets, and major banks, such as Caledonian Investment Bank (BCI), have resumed operations in several areas, including Kone, La Foa, and Noumea. Authorities announced the reopening of gas stations in Dumbea and Noumea. Schools across the territory will remain closed through at least mid-June. The territory's domestic airport, the Noumea Magenta Airport (GEA), will reopen June 5, and Air Caledonie (TY) will gradually resume flights connecting Noumea with Isle of Pines, Lifou, Mare, and Ouvea. La Tontouta International Airport (NOU) remains closed for commercial operations, with continued cancellation of international flights by Aircalin (SB). While the Taneo and Rai buses in Noumea remain canceled, several transport operators, including ferry services from Noumea to Lifou and Mare, as well as bus services in Lifou, have resumed operations.

Authorities will continue to impose a nightly 18:00-06:00 curfew throughout the territory through June 10, with additional restrictions such as a ban on unauthorized public gatherings, the sale of alcohol, and the transportation of weapons. The curbs came into effect following violent unrest after the French Parliament approved the expansion of voting rights to long-term residents. Incidents of widespread arson, looting, rioting, and clashes have occurred since May 13, leaving at least seven people dead, over 100 security personnel injured, and 500 people arrested.

Officials of Australia, the UK, and the US continue to advise their citizens to reconsider travel to all or part of the island; other countries may revise their travel advisories if significant violence persists.

Heightened security measures and lingering disruptions will likely persist territorywide over the coming weeks. Over 3,000 security personnel will remain deployed across the territory through at least mid-August to ensure order. Fresh escalations are especially possible if negotiations with pro-independence groups fail in the coming weeks. Potential gathering sites include military barracks, government buildings such as the Congress of New Caledonia and the High Commission of the Republic offices, public squares, and thoroughfares. The largest gatherings will probably continue to materialize in downtown Noumea. Well-attended gatherings have previously drawn tens of thousands of participants. Reports indicate the use of firearms by both protesters and security forces, sustaining the risk of further violent altercations. Security forces may use live ammunition/batons/tear gas/water cannons to disperse unruly crowds. In the event of widespread violence, officials may reimpose the state of emergency; under such orders, authorities have additional powers to close public spaces, conduct administrative searches, block websites deemed a security risk, and conduct residential subpoenas.

Lingering disruptions, such as long queues for stockpiling essential items, will likely persist in the coming days even as commercial operations resume. Precautionary business closures, especially in Noumea, cannot be ruled out due to the threat of recurring violence and a potential increase in opportunistic crimes.